RUN BALMORAL

RB

From Run Balmoral

  • Date Sat 26th April 2025 - Sun 27th April 2025
  • Time 11:00
  • Location Ballater, Aberdeenshire
  • Price £8.00 - £85.00
  • Races 7 races
  • Distances 5km, 10km

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Aerial view of an outdoor festival on a sunny day, with numerous white tents and crowds of people gathering on a grassy field. Surrounding the field are trees and a lightly forested area, with a grand building visible in the background.

RUN BALMORAL

Sat 26th April 2025 - Sun 27th April 2025

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Event summary

Get ready for an exhilarating weekend of running at the RUN BALMORAL, taking place from Saturday, April 26th to Sunday, April 27th, 2025, in the picturesque village of Ballater, Aberdeenshire. Organised by Run Balmoral, this is the largest running event in North East Scotland, set against the breathtaking backdrop of Royal Deeside.

The event promises something for everyone, with races catering to all age groups. Day one features a primary schools 1.5k and a secondary schools 2.5k, along with adult races including 5k and 10k distances. On day two, participants can tackle the 6 and 15 mile trail races, or take on the adventurous Devil of Deeside Challenge, which combines the thrill of a 5k, 10k, duathlon, and the 15 mile trail race. Beyond the races, attendees can enjoy the vibrant Event Village filled with delicious food stalls and engaging children's activities. Don’t miss this chance to be part of a fantastic community event that celebrates fitness and fun in the heart of Scotland!

RUN BALMORAL

Sat 26th April 2025 - Sun 27th April 2025

Aerial view of an outdoor festival on a sunny day, with numerous white tents and crowds of people gathering on a grassy field. Surrounding the field are trees and a lightly forested area, with a grand building visible in the background. A group of people participate in a trail run through a forest with tall trees. The runners are on a dirt path, surrounded by greenery and sunlight filtering through the trees. They are dressed in athletic wear and appear to be in various stages of the race. A group of runners participate in a trail race through a forest under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds. They are on a dirt path lined with trees and rocks. Some runners are smiling as they move forward, all wearing colorful race bibs and athletic attire. Children and adults ride bicycles on a wooden track in a grassy area during an outdoor event. Tents and colorful flags are set up in the background, with a crowd of spectators gathering. A large statue and trees are visible under a clear blue sky. A woman in a red tank top and blue shorts is running in a race, wearing bib number 9033. Crowds of spectators line the race route behind barriers, cheering the runners. A man in a purple shirt and plaid kilt is running behind her. Trees and banners are visible in the background. Map of the Stena Drilling Tartan 10K race route near River Dee, starting and finishing near Balmoral Castle. Key points marked include a water station, paramedic ambulance, recovery vehicle, cafe, and estates office. Runners are depicted along the bottom. Map of the Harbour Energy 5K run. The route shows a double-loop path along the River Dee with a starting point, finish line, and four checkpoints marked. The warm-up begins at 12:15 PM, and the race starts at 12:30 PM. A silhouette of runners is at the bottom. Map of a 2.5K race for NFU Mutual Secondary School. Features start/finish point, runner direction, a warm-up at 11:40 AM, race start at 11:50 AM, landmarks including a café and the Estates Office, with the River Dee on the map's left. Silhouettes of runners at the bottom. Illustrated map of Bristow 15 Mile Trail Race route, starting and finishing near Princess Alice's Cairn, looping past various checkpoints including first aid posts, water stations, and safety vehicles along River Dee. Includes direction arrows and silhouette of running figures. A map titled "MPH Primary School 1.5K" shows a running route starting and finishing next to the River Dee. It indicates warm-up and race start times, the direction of the run, landmarks like Balmoral Castle, and silhouettes of runners at the bottom. A man with a beard, wearing a purple shirt, a flannel kilt, and a purple headband, is running in a race. Behind him, another male runner in purple and green athletic gear is also participating. Spectators in jackets are watching and cheering from behind a barrier. A map of a duathlon event at a castle near the River Dee, showing pedestrian access routes, no vehicle zones, start and finish lines, emergency landing field, and amenities like cafe, toilets, and information points. Silhouettes of runners are depicted.

Organiser's Description

North east Scotland's biggest running event, with races for all age groups held amongst the stunning setting of Royal Deeside.

On day one there's a primary schools 1.5k, a secondary schools 2.5k, as well as 5k and 10k races for adults. Day two features the 6 and 15 mile trail races.

For the more adventurous, there's the Devil of Deeside Challenge in which participants take part in the 5k, 10k, duathlon and the 15 mile trail race.

There's also an exciting Event Village with food stalls and children's activities.

Races

  • Stena Drilling 10k

    £29.00

    Scottish Athletics (SA) save £2.00

    Booking for more than 1?

  • Harbour Energy 5k

    £20.00

    Scottish Athletics (SA) save £2.00

    Booking for more than 1?

  • Bristow 15 Mile Trail Race

    £29.00

    Scottish Athletics (SA) save £2.00

    Booking for more than 1?

  • Bilfingers 6 Mile Trail Race

    £29.00

    Scottish Athletics (SA) save £2.00

    Booking for more than 1?

  • John Clark Motor Group Devil of Deeside

    £85.00

    Booking for more than 1?

  • RAM Tubulars Secondary 2.5k Run

    £8.00

    Booking for more than 1?

  • MPH Primary 1.5k Run

    £8.00

    Booking for more than 1?

Book

  • Stena Drilling 10k

    £29.00

    Scottish Athletics (SA) save £2.00

    Booking for more than 1?

  • Harbour Energy 5k

    £20.00

    Scottish Athletics (SA) save £2.00

    Booking for more than 1?

  • Bristow 15 Mile Trail Race

    £29.00

    Scottish Athletics (SA) save £2.00

    Booking for more than 1?

  • Bilfingers 6 Mile Trail Race

    £29.00

    Scottish Athletics (SA) save £2.00

    Booking for more than 1?

  • John Clark Motor Group Devil of Deeside

    £85.00

    Booking for more than 1?

  • RAM Tubulars Secondary 2.5k Run

    £8.00

    Booking for more than 1?

  • MPH Primary 1.5k Run

    £8.00

    Booking for more than 1?

Course Details

All the races are held on traffic-free roads or trails within the spectacular setting of the Balmoral estate.

What's Included

A tree planted for every entry
Finisher’s medal
Electronic timing
Downloadable finisher’s certificate
Free parking

How to Get There

Balmoral Estate is approximately 50 miles west of Aberdeen, just off the A93 in scenic Royal Deeside and can be reached from the South on the A93 (Deeside Tourist Route) via Perth and Glenshee. Allow plenty of journey time, there is only one main road (A93) leading to Balmoral and delays are possible. Please be patient. There is a regular bus service between Aberdeen and Balmoral, operated by Stagecoach.

Parking

FREE field parking will be well signed on the day. The earlier you arrive the closer to the start line you will be! You should arrive no later than an hour prior to your race start time and earlier is better!
There is at least a 20 minute walk to the start line from some car parks. But we also operate a shuttle bus between the main gate and the Estate office from 9.30am - except when there are races on.

Location

Balmoral Estates The Estates Office, Balmoral Estates, Ballater, Aberdeenshire, AB35 5TB

FAQs

  • Are there cut offs for the event?

    For runners safety and for the logistic of the event please note the following: The races are running races, not walking events. It is expected that runners will finish within a reasonable time for each race to allow for the next race to take place and for us to gather in marshals from exposed locations. 5K – maximum finish time 1 hour 6Mile / 10K – Maximum finish time 2 hours 15 Mile – Maximum finish time 3 hours Please note these times are given as a guide only and it may on the day be necessary to clear the course earlier than expected. Marshals will do their utmost to allow an athlete to complete the race as long as it is safe for the individual to continue. However it must be noted that past the maximum times above if it is still possible to allow an athlete to continue, marshals will be removed from the course for their own safely / comfort and the athlete will be continuing in the full knowledge that this is the case. The athlete accepts this responsibility as part of the main terms and conditions signed up to on entering the event.

  • When will in receive my race pack?

    You should receive your race pack approximately 1-2 weeks prior to the race date. The pack will contain your race number which has your timing chip attached, an instruction sheet and 4 safety pins.

  • Are dogs allowed?

    On the event field on a lead, yes. Taking part in any race, no.

STENA DRILLING 10K

The Stena Drilling 10K takes you through some beautiful Highland scenery on the Balmoral Estate and will be clearly marked and well marshalled. The early part of the course is relatively fast on smooth tarmac, however from approximately 3.5K the course rises quite steeply up through the woods of Garmaddie for approximately 1.2K!

At the top of the famous “Hill” you will be met by the sound of the pipes before you enjoy the descent, which continues on the estate tracks for approximately 3K. Near the bottom of the hill there is a green footbridge, which needs to be negotiated with care.

After this the route descends further and joins the fast, smooth tarmac for the return section back to Balmoral Castle and the final 300 metres to the finish line gantry.

You are strongly advised not to wear racing shoes but use a sturdier training shoe with good cushioning instead. On the hill will slower runners / walkers please keep to the left leaving the right hand lane free for runners.

ENTRY INCLUDES
A tree planted for each entry
Finisher's medal
Electronic timing
Downloadable finisher's certificate
Free parking
Event Village at the finish
FREE admission to the grounds, gardens and exhibitions at Balmoral

  • All entrants must be 16 years of age or over on the day of the race
  • Large water containers with taps will be located in the start/finish area from which runners can refill their own containers
  • Course: Lovely scenery, lovely hill! Smooth Tarmac and Land Rover tracks

HARBOUR ENERGY 5K

The Harbour Energy 5K all takes place on estate tarmac roads. The race begins heading west from the Castle adjacent the river Dee to a turn point at the Highland Pony Stud. There is a slight incline as the route returns to the castle via the “top road” which has magnificent views of Balmoral Castle and gardens.

ENTRY INCLUDES
A tree planted for each entry
Finisher's medal
Electronic timing
Downloadable finisher's certificate
Free parking
Event Village at the finish
FREE admission to the grounds, gardens and exhibitions at Balmoral

  • All entrants must be 15 years of age or over on the day of the race
  • There are no water stops on the 5K route
  • Course: Smooth Tarmac all the way within the Balmoral Estate. Glorious views of the Castle and gardens with a slight incline at the half way point.

MPH PRIMARY SCHOOLS RUN 1.5K

The race where some of our national and International runners started! The race is completely contained on tarmac roads in the estate and passes right in front of Balmoral Castle! Well marshalled and signed throughout with a lead cyclist and sweep runner.

The race starts and finishes at the main finish gantry. The start is operated by age bands – the oldest at the front, the youngest at the back. Participants will be called to the assembly area prior to the warm up. Placards will be clearly displayed, e.g. Primary 4 and you should line up behind the placard indicating the school year that you are in.

After the warm up you will be taken to the actual start line. To keep warm before and after the run wear warm clothing and bring waterproof clothing. If you need an inhaler etc, make sure it is brought with you on the day.

ENTRY INCLUDES
A tree planted for each entry
Finisher's medal
AMAZING goody bag!
Electronic timing
Downloadable finisher's certificate
Free parking
Event Village at the finish
FREE admission to the grounds, gardens and exhibitions at Balmoral

  • All entrants must be 11 years of age and under on the day of the race.
  • Parents of young children can run with their child but you will be placed at the back of the field of runners.
  • Course: Smooth Tarmac all the way within the Balmoral Estate. Glorious views of the Castle and gardens with good signage and marshalling throughout.

Ram Tubulars SECONDARY SCHOOLS 2.5K

Once past primary school age many of our runners graduate to the 2.5K event. The race is completely contained on tarmac roads in the estate and passes right in front of Balmoral Castle! Well marshalled and signed throughout with a lead cyclist and sweep runner. The race starts and finishes at the main finish gantry.

The start is operated by age bands – the oldest at the front, the youngest at the back. Participants will be called to the assembly area prior to the warm up. Placards will be clearly displayed, e.g. Primary 4 and you should line up behind the placard indicating the school year that you are in.

After the warm up you will be taken to the actual start line. To keep warm before and after the run wear warm clothing and bring waterproof clothing. If you need an inhaler etc, make sure it is brought with you on the day.

ENTRY INCLUDES
A tree planted for each entry
Finisher's medal
AMAZING goody bag!
Electronic timing
Downloadable finisher's certificate
Free parking
Event Village at the finish
FREE admission to the grounds, gardens and exhibitions at Balmoral

  • Open to children aged 11 years to 15 years.
  • Course: Smooth Tarmac all the way within the Balmoral Estate. Glorious views of the Castle and gardens with good signage and marshalling throughout.

Bilfingers 6 Mile Trail Race

This exciting new event is held over a testing two-lap course which takes you along the banks of the River Dee before turning uphill.

For 2 miles on each lap you will climb 350 metres before descending for a fast mile back to the start.

It’s a mix of tarmac, track and grass, making this is a true all-
terrain event!

ENTRY INCLUDES
A tree planted for every entry
Finisher's medal
Electronic timing
Downloadable finisher's certificate
Free parking

  • All entrants must be 15 years of age or over on the day of the race
  • There are no water stops on the 6M route

BRISTOW 15 MILE TRAIL RACE

An epic 15 miles of Highland scenery. There is something special about this event! You start in view of Balmoral Castle and run out west adjacent the magnificent river Dee before beginning a gradual climb through the Ballochbuie pine forest. Then at mile 8, you leave the river and begin a climb to the base of Lochnagar, an ascent of about 120 meters. The last 3 miles are a rush as you hurtle down towards the Castle once again; but beware..there is a sting in the tail!

ENTRY INCLUDES
A tree planted for every entry
Finisher's medal
Electronic timing
Downloadable finisher's certificate
Free parking

  • All entrants must be 18 years of age or over on the day of the race
  • Course: Hilly, with 120 meters of ascent. The going is mostly Land Rover track although the last mile can be muddy. The route takes you out into exposed country and you should come prepared for wind, rain or even snow!
  • There are 2 water stations positioned at Connachat House

JOHN CLARK MOTOR GROUP DEVIL OF DEESIDE

Can you handle the John Clark Motor Group Devil O Deeside? To dance with the Devil you have to complete the Stena Drilling 10K, Harbour Energy 5K, Bristow 15 Mile Trail race and the Bilfinger 6 Mile Trail race!

John Clark Motor GroupThere will be two categories of winner; male with the fastest overall cumulative time and female with the fastest cumulative time. That’s it!

Times taken will be chip times so no need to cram at the front of the field if you don’t want to.

Competitors in the John Clark Motor Group Devil O Deeside will receive their T shirt and vest on the day which can be worn at each event to show that you are indeed a Devil! All finishers will receive individual race T shirts and medals for the race competed in as well as a unique souvenir on completion of the whole challenge.

All entrants must be 18 years of age or over on the day of the race.

ENTRY INCLUDES
A tree planted for each entry for each race 10K, 5K, 15 Mile and 6 Mile!
Competitors will receive unique John Clark Motor Group Devil O Deeside technical T shirt and vest on the event day
Finisher's medal for each race as above
Electronic timing
Downloadable finisher's certificate
Free parking
Event Village at the finish
FREE admission to the grounds, gardens and exhibitions at Balmoral on the Saturday

  • All entrants must be 18 years of age or over on the day of the races

STENA DRILLING / HARBOUR ENERGY CORPORATE TEAM CHALLENGE

Saturday 26 April 2025 – Corporate Challenge Trophy

The StenaDrilling – Harbour Energy Corporate Team Challenge is an exciting competition embodied within Run Balmoral 2024. It provides a wonderful opportunity for you to get together with your work / colleagues to compete for the magnificent team trophy to be awarded to the RunBalmoral Corporate Team Challenge Champions 2024.

Even if your team doesn’t win the competition you and your team-mates could still come away with a great prize as another special prize will be given out to one team drawn at random from all the entries. So there’s something for everyone to go for.

HOW DOES IT WORK?
The Corporate Team Challenge results will be based on chip times. Teams can be all male, all female or mixed. Each team must have 4 runners who complete the Stena Drilling 10K and the Harbour Energy 5K. A runner from a team may compete in both races.
The finishing chip time of each of the four runners in each race will be added together to give an overall team time. The team with the lowest total combined chip time from the two races will win the Trophy.
Teams can be all male, all female or a combination of both.
When entering, all team members should take care to list themselves under the same team name i.e Stena Stags, STENA STAGS or Stena STAGS will all be read by the computer as different teams.

FAQS
CAN TEAMS BE MALE AND FEMALE?
Yes, a mix of male and female, or all male and all female.

HOW DO I REGISTER OUR TEAM?
When you enter for the individual races you will be asked if you are competing in the Corporate Team Challenge and if so what your team name is. Enter your team name but be sure to enter it in the same way for everyone i.e STENA STAGS, Stena Stags and STENA Stags will all be read by the system as different teams!

WHAT DOES THE WINNING TEAM GET?
The AMAZING stag trophy.

CAN A COMPANY ENTER MORE THAN ONE TEAM?
Yes, as many teams as they like just be sure to give each team a different team name.

HOW ARE THE TIMES / PLACINGS WORKED OUT FOR THE CORPORATE TEAM CHALLENGE?
The Corporate Team Challenge results will be based on chip times. Teams can be all male, all female or mixed. Each team must have 4 runners who complete the Stena Drilling 10K and the Harbour Energy 5K. A runner from a team may compete in both races.

event village

Take time to visit the Albyn Hospital Event Village area where we have some exciting new exhibitors and activities this year:

Climbing Wall, Bungie Run, Superjumper
Street Sports Arena
Country Flavours of Alford
Visit Balmoral Castle
Run4It Pop-up Shop
Exhibitors

itinerary

SATURDAY 26 APRIL 2025
Time Event
10.50 Primary Schools Boys Warm Up
11.00 PRIMARY SCHOOLS BOYS RACE
11.15 Primary Schools Girls Warm Up
11.25 PRIMARY SCHOOLS GIRLS RACE
11.40 Secondary Schools Warm Up
11.50 SECONDARY SCHOOLS RACE
12.15 5K Warm Up
12.30 5K RACE
12.40 Primary & Secondary Schools Presentations
14.00 10K RACE
14.15 5K Presentation
15:30 10K Presentations

SUNDAY 27 APRIL 2025
Time Event
09.30 Bilfinger 6 Mile Trail Race (multi terrain race)
13.00 Bristow 15 mile Trail (multi terrain race)
Presentations times to be confirmed

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Location

Balmoral Estates, Ballater, AB35 5, United Kingdom

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